limited slip
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New User
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limited slip
I have two questions I was hoping someone might be able to
answer for me:
1) What year did the limited slip differential become standard
equipment on the F150?
2) Prior to that year, how can you tell if a F150 has a
limited slip (other than getting a dealer to look up the
VIN number in a computer)?
I'm looking to buy a used truck and am getting conflicting
answers to these questions from various used car dealerships.
I want to get either a 4x4 or limited slip diff. The standard
differential I have now in my 94 F150 drives me crazy in the winter around here.
Matt
answer for me:
1) What year did the limited slip differential become standard
equipment on the F150?
2) Prior to that year, how can you tell if a F150 has a
limited slip (other than getting a dealer to look up the
VIN number in a computer)?
I'm looking to buy a used truck and am getting conflicting
answers to these questions from various used car dealerships.
I want to get either a 4x4 or limited slip diff. The standard
differential I have now in my 94 F150 drives me crazy in the winter around here.
Matt
New User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 8
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From: Near Niagara Falls
limited slip
Yup, hes right... Every Ford differential I've seen has a tag and reads exactly the type of thing he says.
You could also read the code on the door sticker for 'Axle'
The thing is... most of us don't know how to decode them.
Now if we were talking about Fox Cougars, I could tell you all day long what kinda diff the car has without even looking underneath it. But alas, Ford truck axle codes are far different from fox bodied cars. Grab that code though, its under 'Axle' on the tag, then memorize it, its the same as the one in the VIN number I think, and someone might be able to tell you what it is exactly, but then again, thats the door sticker, if the rear end was changed you'd have to go by the tag bolted to the diff cover, its probably all rusted over or nasty and un-readable... its held on by one bolt, unbolt it and throw it in a cup of pepsi for a while.
Your best bet is the diff cover tag, its straight foward and needs no decoding.
You could also read the code on the door sticker for 'Axle'
The thing is... most of us don't know how to decode them.
Now if we were talking about Fox Cougars, I could tell you all day long what kinda diff the car has without even looking underneath it. But alas, Ford truck axle codes are far different from fox bodied cars. Grab that code though, its under 'Axle' on the tag, then memorize it, its the same as the one in the VIN number I think, and someone might be able to tell you what it is exactly, but then again, thats the door sticker, if the rear end was changed you'd have to go by the tag bolted to the diff cover, its probably all rusted over or nasty and un-readable... its held on by one bolt, unbolt it and throw it in a cup of pepsi for a while.
Your best bet is the diff cover tag, its straight foward and needs no decoding.
Last edited by Xtremitie; Aug 5, 2003 at 03:07 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 5
From: Running Springs CA
limited slip
Limited slip was never standard.
The letter H in the axle code on the door sticker should tell you.
19 = 3.55 open diff, H9 = 3.55 L/S for the 8.8 axle
2wd with L/S was never enough for me in the snow because of the steep grade leading to my house. In flat terrain it might be a help. 4x4 rigs are more expensive to buy, mantain and insure, are less comfortable and use more gas. There is a tradeoff.
Jim
The letter H in the axle code on the door sticker should tell you.
19 = 3.55 open diff, H9 = 3.55 L/S for the 8.8 axle
2wd with L/S was never enough for me in the snow because of the steep grade leading to my house. In flat terrain it might be a help. 4x4 rigs are more expensive to buy, mantain and insure, are less comfortable and use more gas. There is a tradeoff.
Jim
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,038
Likes: 3
From: South Kitsap County, WA
limited slip
Ford axle codes from sometime in the early 70's until present, that start with a letter, are factory limited slip units. Those with two digit numbers are non-LS units. As stated by Jim, LS is not standard.
-Kerry
-Kerry
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New User
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limited slip
Thank you all for your help. I bought a 97 F-150 Supercab longbed last night. Limited slip. only 40K miles.
Couldn't have done it without you guys.
Thanks again.
Couldn't have done it without you guys.
Thanks again.
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: South Jersey
limited slip
Can anyone point me to a place or places online where I can learn about how differentials work and how to choose what's best for my truck? I have non-LS 3.08 (code "18" on the door sticker-thanks for the info!) in my 98F150 and am thinking I should have a larger ratio to get more power to the ground. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Freshman User
Joined: May 2003
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From: from oregon, stationed in
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm
good site .... 3.08 ... those sound like some "nice" road gears .... if you want larger tired, you should gear it down some , 3.50's would work for 33's on that pickup
good site .... 3.08 ... those sound like some "nice" road gears .... if you want larger tired, you should gear it down some , 3.50's would work for 33's on that pickup